Director of Business Affairs

The University of Cincinnati Libraries seeks a highly-motivated, strategically-thinking, organized and collaborative individual to lead the Finance and Accounting operations. The Director of Business Affairs has responsibility for the administration and direction of all aspects of a multi-functional Finance, Accounting, and operations, including assessment, evaluation and implementation of major programs and projects; development and communication of policies and procedures; management, planning and organization of multifunctional staff efforts. The Director of Business Affairs also provides management oversight to Human Resources operations. She/he is responsible for the development and control of substantial departmental budgets and resources. This position reports to the Dean and University Librarian and serves as a member of the Dean’s senior leadership team. Essential Functions Establish long-range objectives and specify the strategies and actions to achieve these objectives. Primary duties include:

• Direct and manage UC Libraries and a newly established University of Cincinnati Libraries Press Finance and Accounting operations. The University of Cincinnati Libraries is a large and diversified academic unit with ten campus library locations, two branch libraries with a dotted line reporting relationship to UCL, and with an annual operating budget of $21M. The University of Cincinnati Press is part of University of Cincinnati Libraries operations.
• Assure long-term financial strength and capacity of UC Libraries while maintaining flexibility to respond to program opportunities and financial contingencies as they arise.
• Provide financial reports, forecasting and analysis of financial trends to assist the Dean and the senior leadership team in making decisions and allocating resources.
• Advise the Dean and Dean’s senior leadership team on strategic issues and financial implications. Oversee long-term budgetary planning and cost management to assure alignment with the UC Libraries goals and strategic priorities.
• Direct and manage annual budget formulation and implementation, maintain standard reports showing recent expenditures and current balances available for upcoming operations; monitor and oversee budgets as needed; oversee funding and spending compliance; work in conjunction with associate deans, managers and department heads to ensure fiscal compliance with federal, state and UC policies and procedures; develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance.
• Provide oversight and guidance of UC Libraries grant management. Participate senior management’s decision on grant application. Support and manage the process formation of grant application. Ensure compliance with UC and UC Foundation’s grant policies and procedures; and ensure compliance of grant report to the funding agencies/foundations.
• Design and maintain publishing accounting systems and policies for the University of Cincinnati Press, including setting up title-level cost accounting and royalty accounting systems. Establish review procedures for Press asset levels such as finished goods inventory and unpublished royalty advances. Work with University financial staff to ensure that the publishing-specific financial needs of the Press (such as the investment dynamics of the Press’s business cycle) are effectively integrated with University accounting requirements.
• Design or assist in the development of an engaged workforce and process for the department that fulfills core functions in support of strategic directions and operational excellence. Provide leadership, mentorship and oversight of department personnel.
• Responsible for all financial operations of the UC Libraries. The financial structure of UCL is complex and includes management of general, designated, gift, endowments, grants and plant funds.
• Contribute to the reputation, credibility, and stature of UC Libraries by effective representation to University, peer libraries or other higher education institutions and associations. Serve on UC Libraries committees and University-wide committees as needed.
• Promote, leverage, and celebrate diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Foster an atmosphere that is collegial, innovative, and entrepreneurial and that promotes and encourages a work environment that is recognized for the respect and support shown toward faculty and staff.

Required Education Bachelor’s Degree must be in Business Administration or related field. Required Experience Seven (7) years of financial and administrative experience. Additional Qualifications Considered

• MBA or graduate-level degree in Finance or Accounting is ideal.
• Experience in strategic planning and execution with strong analytical skills and experience interpreting a strategic vision into an operational model.
• Proven ability to successfully interact with a diverse group of people and leverage different backgrounds, opinions, and expertise.
• Proven ability to lead and work in a team environment.
• Excellent communication (verbal and nonverbal), diplomacy, discretion, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with multiple and sometimes conflicting priorities.
• Financial and administrative experience is required and must include three (3) years supervision.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands. The University of Cincinnati, as a multi-national and culturally diverse university, is committed to providing an inclusive, equitable and diverse place of learning and employment. As part of a complete job application you will be asked to include a Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion statement. As a UC employee, and an employee of an Ohio public institution, if hired you will not contribute to the federal Social Security system, other than contributions to Medicare. Instead, UC employees have the option to contribute to a state retirement plan (OPERS, STRS) or an alternative retirement plan (ARP). The University of Cincinnati is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer / Minority / Female / Disability / Veteran.

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